Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
